Transylvania by International Mountain Leader Kev Sidford
I believe that the world of the IML is not so much a “Marketing Mix” but a “Mountain Mix” a combination of great views, fascinating culture, great food and drink and the opportunity to observe a diverse range of wildlife is what makes it a place for clients to enjoy.
There are many areas that are worth mentioning but one of the easiest and tourist prepared is the Piatra Craiului National Park with high jagged ridges, picturesque alpine meadows and deep limestone gorges.
How easy is it to get to?
There are regular flights to Bucharest and transfers to Brasov. The City of Brasov is the launch pad for most activities and takes approximately 3 hours to get to from the Airport. The get to Piatra Craiului it would be advisable to hire a car and radiate out from Brasov, although there is the town of Zarnesti at the base of the park. (Zarnesti would equate to somewhere like Buxton in size with limited resources). Brasov is, for all intents and purposes, the Chamonix of Romania.
Can you tell us about the most memorable moment of a recent trip?
In February 2018, working with Florin Bana a fellow IML, we took a small group snowshoeing to Sirnea that sits on the flanks of the Piatra Craiului Massif. The first thing that strikes you when you step into Şirnea is the scenery. Situated at an altitude of 1244 metres and off the beaten track with regards to tourism. We were alone apart from some very large Eagle Owls even bigger sheep dogs and the odd bear print we saw no one.
Since the 60s, the village is famous for its rural museum but also for its nocturnal ski slope, the first of its kind in Romania.
What are you top tips for anyone travelling to this area?
1. You have to pay a permit fee to enter the National Parks; machines are dotted around the town of Zarnesti. Paying online is not an option. The costs are minimal.
2. The sheep dogs are bred to protect the flock from bears and wolves so understandably the dogs are big and vicious. As long as you wave and say hello to the Shepherds the dogs will leave you alone. If you do not see the Shepherds NEVER EVER get between the dogs and the flock.
3. If planning a tough trip like the Fagaras Ridge then be prepared to carry loads of water. It is a limestone ridge so holds no water – so take advise from the local SGLM (Society of Guides and Leaders) IMLs.
4. Snowshoeing cannot get any better but with the forests being dense you need to get up high above 1700m to get to the alpine pastures with zero chance of uplift.
What else is there to do, other than mountaineering, in this area?
Within a 25km radius of Brasov there is:
Show Caves in Rasnov
Libearty – Bear Sanctuary
Multiple Castles and if you really want to waste your money Bran Castle.
Fortified Churches
Are there any dangers or annoyances here?
1. Apart from the previously mentioned sheep dogs, there is the odd spectacular lightening storm that is always interesting when stuck on a ridge.
2. It is not recommended to take short cuts down off a mountain. This is because of the hidden rock faces in the dense woodland, the wildlife and it’s hard work to retrace back up hill.
What one piece of kit could you not manage without on a trip like this?
A good attitude otherwise you would go nuts – you could be walking for 3 hours in the pine trees before popping out on a spectacular ridge. If you do not have the right mind set it could get boring.
How do people contact you if they want to find out more?
Please contact me on kev.sidford@adventurecode.biz
Thank you Kev!
